'Mona is the woman for me' KO

Karan Oberoi in a confessional mode about the rumours of his affair with co-host Himani (Antakshari) and the love of his life, Mona Singh.

What made you replace Sunil Pal in Antakshari. Weren't you apprehensive about comparisons?
I was overwhelmed when I was offered Antakshari which is a very popular show. I am told that TRPs have jumped, since I took over. I did have my apprehensions before taking it up because till now the show has been treated in the traditional format. I wanted to handle it my way and the risk involved in it was huge but thankfully, the channel gave me a free hand which was a good back-up.

I do such kind of shows for a living (Band of Boys), and Antakshari was a comparatively smaller version of it. I brought in my style which thankfully clicked. My style is more unscripted and spontaneous—like Annu Kapoor never danced or jumped in the audiences which I do.

What kept you away from television for so long?
The quality of the programmes is what kept me away. When I did shows like 'Saaya' and 'Milan', there was substance to my role. My role in 'Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin' too had enough meat for me take it up. We were given scripts in advance, which helped us bring out the creativity.(TnD gave scripts in advance post 5-August?)🤔 But now an actor feels like a daily labourer who is used to fill up a producer's bank of episodes.

In fact, the first question that is asked of an actor is how many days can he spare for a show in a month. It's not about you as an actor but the amount of time you can give. There's complete cacophony on television as mediocrity is thriving. Of late there is not a single soap opera, which is worth watching. I do not want to be associated with anything that does not give me thrill. I would rather do my concerts.

How is the 'band of boys' progressing?
Fantastic is the word. It's been six years now and we are counted among the top 3-4 bands in the country. (really??????😕😕😕)We are living out of suitcases literally. I have travelled all over India, in the interiors too as well as the world. I simply love performing in front of a live audience.

Your co-host Himani is said to be smitten with you…
I wonder where it all started from. We do have fantastic tuning. When there are two hosts on a show, there is generally a tussle. Thankfully, we don't face that problem. She gives me the space to host and vice-versa. Our screen rapport is fantastic, but nothing more than that. She's a little kid and a good friend.

When are you going official about your relationship with Mona Singh?
Oh, I can proudly proclaim that Mona is the woman in my life. And I guess everybody in the know is aware that we are a couple, so there's nothing to go official about it. She's a lovely, lively girl who is very real.

And boy, she has a great sense of humour. Right now, we are happy in each other's company but marriage will have to wait. Mona has Bollywood aspirations and I have certain commitments too. I guess, when we both get the time to finally walk the altar we will certainly do.

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